(Kaedehara Kazuha)
For the first time since he left for that trip to Watatsumi Island, Kaedehara Kazuha slept with no nightmares.
The sea was also calmer than he had anticipated that morning. It could only mean that they were hours away from the vicious storm that surrounded the Nation of Eternity.
Beidou was the first to greet him that morning. Kazuha trusted her, especially after she took him in. If not for her, he wouldn't have the same freedom he did now. Now the least he could do now was lend a helping hand.
Luckily for the Crux Crew, the ship had been through that storm a few times before. And each time they handled it with grace. The way everyone on board went about their duties, one could almost assume they were dealing with a much smaller storm. Kazuha did his job, helping to make sure that the important cargo below was secure.
After traveling for a while without incident, the storm could be spotted. The Crux was prepared. Captain Beidou was leading them, so there was hardly anything for the crew to worry about.
The ship headed into the storm. Soon the waves became violent. Heavy rain poured onto the Alcor, and lightning flashed around them. Crew members were scrambling to get the water out. Wind threatened to take away anything lightweight. Most everyone on board did what they could to keep the ship afloat.
After making it through the storm guarding Inazuma, the rest of the trip was smooth. It wasn't long before the familiar row of islands, which Kazuha used to call home, rose up in the distance. The sun was getting lower as the ship approached their destination.
The Alcor turned towards the island in the far west. Watatsumi island, which was known to some for its beautiful scenery. Kazuha volunteered to stay behind and watch the ship, while some of the crew would help unload the goods for Watatsumi.
By the time the ship reached the island, it was too dark to see without a lantern. The pale light from the moon could only do so much for the ship. The ship docked close to Bourou Village, and someone on patrol left to report it to the general. Moments later, General Gorou appeared.
Taking no interest in any of the conversations, Kazuha went back to watching for crooks wishing to board the ship. The silence around him was only broken by waves and occasional hilichurl growls in the distance.
Then a few started getting back on the ship. After a while, he overheard a conversation between two crew members, one of whom had already helped unload the cargo.
"Has anyone told you about the battle that took place recently?"
"Not yet. I've been at my post this whole time. Why? Has something happened?"
"According to a medic's account, it's one of the highest numbers of casualties and injuries yet!"
"But how can that be? I thought Her Excellency was one of the best strategists of Teyvat!"
"It seems that she was not on the front lines at the time."
"But what could she have to take care of at the moment?"
"It's hard to say but-"
Their voices trailed off as they walked away to attend their other duties.
Soon the crew was done unloading. Sangonomiya Kokomi offered a place for the whole crew to stay, but Kazuha once again offered to help watch the Alcor once again. He and Xu Liushi, who offered to stay, agreed to take turns watching the ship while the other rested. After everyone else left, Kazuha went back to his post.
While looking out at sea, he still thought about the conversation he overheard. He thought about all those deaths, and what could've been done about them. Were they always meant to meet such a tragedy? Or would him being there change anything?
When the time came for Kazuha to rest, he once again had the same bad dream. But this time it was a little different.
It was the same duel before the throne. But instead of his late friend fighting, it was someone else who he had not seen in ages. Shikanoin Heizou. In Kazuha's dream, he looked no different than the last time they crossed paths. He had that same mesmerizing face that was impossible to erase from one's mind.
Kazuha could only watch as Heizou fought against the opponent. However this time it was an opponent stronger than any that Kazuha himself had ever fought. The opponent was so strong that the fight ended quickly with Heizou's defeat.
Kazuha didn't want to go through this again. But even with his efforts, he could not move at all. The Electro Archon stepped forward to issue the Musou no Hitotachi. With a flash of powerful lightning, Shikanoin Heizou was gone. Kazuha instantly woke up.
It was only a dream. The real detective Shikanoin was likely still alive as far as Kazuha knew. So why did it feel so real?
The next day the whole crew was preparing to go back to Liyue. Kuzuha helped where he could, but it was clear he didn't get as much sleep. Others aboard the ship could tell. A few even questioned his well being that morning. Juza even told him to get rest once they made it to calmer seas.
Before they left, the divine Priestess Sangonomiya Kokomi had asked to talk to Kazuha privately. Strange. Followed by only one other guard, they made it to a part of the shore where everyone could see but not hear them.
"Kazuha I'm sorry for having to pull you away on such short notice," She apologized, "but there is something I need to tell you about. And from the looks of it, everyone else looks much more busy."
"What is it about?" Kazuha asked her.
"You're correct," She answered. "Aside from the Shogunate, another enemy we've been dealing with is the Fatui. Most don't go to fight my men at first, which raises even more suspicion. And lately even more Fatui camps have been appearing around the island."
"Is there a reason you wish to tell me all this?"
"If you could, please try to keep an eye on them next time you're here. I've already dispatched special operations units to deal with the camps."
"Thank you, your excellency. I'll pass the message to Captain Beidou."
After talking to her, Kazuha got back onto the ship. When Beidou asked what they talked about, he told her. Once again, they were to sail through the storm around Inazuma. Thankfully it wasn't any different than before.
By the time the ship made it past the storm, Beidou ordered him to rest. Because of how tired he was, Kazuha made no objection. He collapsed into his bed, this time resting with no dreams or nightmares.
The Alcor then traveled for another week before reaching the nation of Liyue. Once at the destination, the ship docked in its usual place in Guyun Stone Forest. Beidou left to sort out some things with Ningguang. Once the ship was clear, every crew member was free to roam the stone forest.
From the ship Kazuha could see the renowned chef Xiangling, gathering crabs in the sand. Next to her was her companion Guoba, named after the dish Jueyun Guoba. The small creature happily trotted along, helping her gather crabs from the shore.
He got off the ship, and started walking along solid ground for the first time in weeks. It took a while to get used to it, but he managed to walk normally in no time. He made his way to his favorite napping rock.
"Kazuha?" A voice said. He turned around to see Xiangling and Guoba, holding the ingredients that they gathered.
"Good afternoon Madam Xianling," He said to her.
"I didn't expect for the Crux crew to arrive here so early," She said. "I barely have enough time to prepare the welcome-back feast!"
"It's should be alright if you don't prepare dinner in time," Kazuha told her, "Captain Beidou has never been the type of person to get furious over trivial-"
"I know, I know," she interrupted, "but I still can't help but feel guilty for not getting everything ready sooner. I should at least let my dad know about your arrival!"
"Then take care, Madam Xiangling. I hope to see you again soon."
She waved back at him before running back to Liyue Harbor. As soon as she was gone, he was left with no noise except for the sea. Even if she was talkative however, he was still fond of her lively attitude. It was that same cheerful spark he had seen in many pyro vision holders.
As he was walking on the sand, the sound of calmer waves helped clear his mind of any turmoil. He eventually found his favorite resting spot in the stone forest. He sat down, then rested until someone went to go find him.